MK Dons will be looking to build on two positive results when they entertain Chesterfield at Stadium MK this evening.
The men from MK1 ended a run of defeats with a 1-1 draw at home to Walsall 10 days ago and they followed that result up by earning a share of the spoils at play-off contenders Bristol Rovers last weekend.
That goalless draw saw the Dons record their first clean sheet in seven league matches – something they’ll be looking to replicate this evening in what would be their first home shut out since the clash with Oxford United back in September.
Should they prevent Chesterfield from finding the net, they’ll need to reply on their improving home attack to seal all three points – the Dons have scored seven times in their last four Stadium MK fixtures, having scored just three times in the four before that.
A victory would, of course, be a first home league success for the men from MK1, who could also climb out of the relegation places with a win and results going in their favour elsewhere.
Kick-off tonight is at 7.45pm.
Injury-ravaged Chesterfield sit bottom of the Sky Bet League One table heading into this evening’s match but that doesn’t mean the Dons can afford to take them lightly.
The Spireites may have lost their last eight league outings and failed to win away from home this season, but they’ve still proven to be tricky opponents on many occasions, especially when it comes to conceding goals – only eight sides in the division have let in more on the road than Chesterfield.
Danny Wilson’s men have also proven they can score goals, with striker Ched Evans leading the way with five alongside fellow-forward Kristian Dennis and former Dons loanee Jay O’Shea.
What's more, the Derbyshire outfit may look to take confidence from their past record at Stadium MK, where they have won three times and lost only once.
The Dons recorded back-to-back draws courtesy a goalless stalemate with Bristol Rovers last weekend.
Richie Barker’s team dominated the first half at the Memorial Stadium and went close through Kieran Agard’s glancing header and two fierce efforts from George Baldock.
After the break, Rovers proved much more of a threat but they were denied by a stubborn Dons backline and an inspired David Martin, who pulled off an excellent save to deny Jermaine Easter’s deflected header late on.
That goalless draw saw the Dons record their first clean sheet in seven league matches – something they’ll be looking to replicate this evening in what would be their first home shut out since the clash with Oxford United back in September.
Should they prevent Chesterfield from finding the net, they’ll need to reply on their improving home attack to seal all three points – the Dons have scored seven times in their last four Stadium MK fixtures, having scored just three times in the four before that.
A victory would, of course, be a first home league success for the men from MK1, who could also climb out of the relegation places with a win and results going in their favour elsewhere.
Kick-off tonight is at 7.45pm.
Injury-ravaged Chesterfield sit bottom of the Sky Bet League One table heading into this evening’s match but that doesn’t mean the Dons can afford to take them lightly.
The Spireites may have lost their last eight league outings and failed to win away from home this season, but they’ve still proven to be tricky opponents on many occasions, especially when it comes to conceding goals – only eight sides in the division have let in more on the road than Chesterfield.
Danny Wilson’s men have also proven they can score goals, with striker Ched Evans leading the way with five alongside fellow-forward Kristian Dennis and former Dons loanee Jay O’Shea.
What's more, the Derbyshire outfit may look to take confidence from their past record at Stadium MK, where they have won three times and lost only once.
The Dons recorded back-to-back draws courtesy a goalless stalemate with Bristol Rovers last weekend.
Richie Barker’s team dominated the first half at the Memorial Stadium and went close through Kieran Agard’s glancing header and two fierce efforts from George Baldock.
After the break, Rovers proved much more of a threat but they were denied by a stubborn Dons backline and an inspired David Martin, who pulled off an excellent save to deny Jermaine Easter’s deflected header late on.
The Spireites got themselves back into the game in the 66th minute courtesy of a Jay O’Shea penalty but they failed to find an equalising goal – O’Shea wasting a good chance late on to do just that.
Amari’i Bell put the hosts ahead with a sweeping finish from David Ball’s cross on 27 minutes before his fellow full-back Victor Nirennold diverted home Ash Hunter’s strike in the second half to double the advantage.
Chesterfield fell to their eight-straight defeat after a 2-1 reverse at Fleetwood Town.
“It’s going to be a tough game.”
“They created chances at the weekend against Fleetwood and could have come away with something. I watched the game against Sheffield United on TV the other week and they went one-nil up and started the game very well. They’ve been in most of their games right up until the end.”
Richie Barker: “Knowing Danny they’ll be well-organised and they’ll know everything about us. They also try and play.
Last Dons win: 1-0, 19 Aug 2014 (Proact Stadium)
Dons wins at Stadium MK: 1
Dons wins: 4
Ward’s assistant referees this evening are Ashvin Degnarain and Daniel Crook and the fourth official is Brendan Malone.
The Surrey official, who has taken charge of the Dons for four consecutive seasons, has shown 65 yellow cards in 18 games, while his red card total is at three.
Gavin Ward will be the man in the middle tonight.
Full-back Liam Graham is also out for a few weeks, joining Tommy Lee, Daniel Jones, Sam Hird, Angel Martinez and Conor Wilkinson on the sidelines.
Chesterfield have labelled star striker Ched Evans as 50/50 with a hamstring injury, while Jon Nolan (hamstring) will also be assessed.
Elsewhere, Nicky Maynard (hamstring) remains sidelined and Scott Wootton (knee) remains a long-term absentee. Chuks Aneke (knee) is getting closer.
Darren Potter (leg) has returned to training so could be back available for selection, while George C Williams is expected to shake off a knock picked up in Saturday’s draw with Bristol Rovers – the Fulham loanee impressed in his cameo and could be in line for a recall to the starting XI.
“Let’s hope we can shock them a bit.
“They’ve got too much talent for us to presume it’ll be an easy game because they’ve not won at home. They might go the other way and think because Chesterfield have not won away from home it’ll be easy for them.
Danny Wilson: “At home they seem to be struggling this year. They have an array of talent and a big squad and sometimes you just can’t put your finger on what’s causing it.
Last draw: 1-1, 17 Mar 2012 (Proact Stadium)
Draws at Stadium MK: 2
Draws: 4
MK Dons PlayerHD will have live commentary of tonight’s match –
for more betting options for tonight’s Sky Bet League One fixture - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Rai Simons 9/1
Kristian Dennis 15/2
Ched Evans 11/2
No goalscorer 12/1
Ryan Colclough 5/1
Dean Bowditch 5/1
Kieran Agard 4/1
First goalscorer
Chesterfield: 4/1
Draw: 3/1
Dons: 8/13
Result
Supporters can also stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com’s matchday blog, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from 5pm.
to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month!hereclick !Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook, TwitterThere will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels –
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
for more betting options for tonight’s Sky Bet League One fixture - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Rai Simons 9/1
Kristian Dennis 15/2
Ched Evans 11/2
No goalscorer 12/1
Ryan Colclough 5/1
Dean Bowditch 5/1
Kieran Agard 4/1
First goalscorer
Chesterfield: 4/1
Draw: 3/1
Dons: 8/13
Result
Supporters can also stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com’s matchday blog, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from 5pm.
to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month!hereclick !Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook, TwitterThere will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels –
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
